Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long eating too much salty food
How do you get rid of swollen ankles?
7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles Walk it Out Drink Lots of Water Sleep on Your Side Enjoy Some Pool Time Limit Your Salt Wear Compression Socks Elevate Your Feet
How do you get rid of swelling in your ankles and feet?
avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting doing leg, feet, and ankle exercises during long periods of sitting taking breaks to elevate your feet during long periods of standing elevating your legs above heart level while resting
When should I be concerned about swollen feet?
When should you call the doctor? “Report your symptoms to your doctor if there’s so much swelling that it leaves an indentation if you press your finger into it, or if it has developed suddenly, lasts for more than a few days, affects just one foot, or is accompanied by pain or discoloration of the skin,” Dr
Should I worry about swollen ankles?
Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot But feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem
Can dehydration cause swollen ankles?
Stay Hydrated – dehydration causes the constriction of blood vessels leading to the forcing of fluids into the extracellular spaces between cells leading to retention particularly in the lower limbs
Does walking help swollen ankles?
Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr Botek She suggested activities such as walking and swimming
What does water retention in ankles mean?
Sitting or standing too long can cause your tissue to hold water If your job keeps you on your feet, you may notice swollen legs and ankles at the end of the day It’s also common after a long time on an airplane The key is to keep blood circulating
How do you get rid of swollen ankles naturally?
Home remedies Elevating the feet above the heart, drinking plenty of water, and reducing salt intake may all help minimize swelling Soaking the feet in cold water can also relieve symptoms
Can sitting too long cause feet to swell?
The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age
What causes swollen ankles in the elderly?
Legs, ankles, and feet swell when excess fluid is pulled down by gravity and builds up in the lower body This is called edema and it’s common in older adults and usually happens on both sides of the body It can be caused by a variety of health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, gout, and arthritis
What medications cause swollen ankles?
Medications that may cause the feet to swell include: hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids antidepressants nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs medication to help manage diabetes
Does swollen ankles mean heart failure?
Swelling of the feet is a common sign of heart failure You may also notice swelling in your legs, ankles, and stomach Many things can cause swelling, so it’s important to see your doctor to diagnose the cause
What to eat to reduce swelling in feet?
Magnesium-rich foods (tofu, spinach, cashews) Therefore, when you are suffering from swollen feet, eat magnesium-rich foods These include tofu, spinach, cashews, almonds, dark chocolate, broccoli and avocados
How do I get rid of fluid in my legs and feet?
Home Care Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down Exercise your legs Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores) When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around
How do you flush out edema?
Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics) One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix)
Does drinking water reduce inflammation?
Inflammation Health experts recommend that a diet rich in anti-oxidants as well as staying hydrated with enough water are great ways to reduce inflammation in the body Water is specifically recommended because it can flush toxins and other irritants out of the body
Does drinking water help reduce swelling?
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have This contributes to swelling
How do you get rid of swollen ankles fast?
Applying cold immediately after an injury helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism You can use ice packs, cold therapy systems, ice baths, or cryotherapy chambers to deliver cold to the affected area
Can inactivity cause swollen ankles?
People with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to have swollen ankles or feet, so “the best way out is through” in the long term for those who are just beginning to get active Dehydration can make swelling during activity worse For those who are obese, swelling is more frequent with less physical activity
Can high blood pressure medication cause swollen ankles?
Swollen ankles can occur as a side effect of some high blood pressure medicines, for example calcium channel blockers